Formal Bow

The Formal bow is a process that is done at the beginning and end of a Kata. Here is the formal bow process:

Beginning Formal Bow

• Ayumi-ashi along the side of the mat to the center of demonstration area.
• Turn toward demonstration partner
• Ritsu-rei
• Enter the mat, left leg first taking three measured steps
• Turn to Shomen
• Ritsu-rei
• Turn back to training partner.
• Seiza, Left Leg first
• Za-rei
• Return to Shizen-hontai, Right leg first.
• Lean forward then taking a large step with your left leg to begin the Kata

Ending Formal Bow

• Return to starting point, approximately 3m in, after completing demonstration. Standing in Shizen-hontai
• Lean back, taking a large step with your right leg first
  • Should be approximately 3 steps from the edge of the mat.
• Seiza, left Leg first
• Za-rei
• Return to Shizen-hontai, right leg first.
• Turn to Shomen
• Ritsu-rei
• Turn back toward each other
• Step back to edge of mat, right foot first, approximately 3 steps.
• Ritsu-rei
• Turn and exit with a measured Ayumi-ashi.